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Crazy Concepts—and Possible Build-Outs—from BMW

There are strong rumors once again that BMW intends to build something like last year’s Vision EfficientDynamcs concept (above) as a hybrid, now to be called the M8, with more than 600 horsepower. Instead of diesel power, they’re now saying a gas engine plus two electric motors and a 31-mile all-electric range. And speculating 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

The original concept was always just that—a base for developing advanced technology—but now MotorAuthority reports that BMW may well develop a two-seater based on the Vision ED and the M1 Homage of 2008 (see image after the break).

And they may well actually produce this thing in 2013, in quantities of 5,000 to 10,000 at a “reasonably affordable” price.

The original M1, produced between 1978 and 1981 (456 cars), was a midengine car, and there is now talk of producing the M1 Homage (right) in a different design with a different name and a different engine, this time perhaps with BMW’s 5-liter V10.

We don’t know why, exactly, but people have always been drawn to BMWs to customize them or reconceptualize them. An artist named Jeff Koons has found a way to do that with his latest M3—and promote himself into the bargain. Kind of a shame to do that to an M3 GT2.

The factory took an opposite approach to paint. To celebrate the M3’s 25th anniversary, BMW offered a special edition of 30 painted in “Frozen Gray.” The car sold out in 12 minutes at $77,600 per.

People are as crazy as the concepts they create. We leave you with the worst we’ve seen to date—the so-called X9 concept created by an 18-year-old “designer” from Tunisia. Batman is turning over in his grave.

Are concepts like these a waste of money or an exercise in imagination? Let us know what you think.

2 Comments

Diesel! Soon as oil goes up in price diesel efficiency is on our minds! Eventually diesel/electric hybrids will displace Gasoline/electric hybrids and as the nuclear/electric sourced, electric bullet trains imported from China proliferates across America, even the hybrids will give way to totally battery cars for the shorter interconnecting hops required! Look to this evolution in automotive progress, and design accordingly! We will have very light, perhaps carbon fiber bodies, with aluminum chassis designed for interchangeable electric drive trains ans recyclable batteries. Remember, the drive train components have only three moving parts and will wear out many body, chassis, over there lifetime. GM’s socialist offing, the Volt, is an example of the new socialist trend in America coupled with the bullet train endeavor in Florida a new beginnings for basic transportation without oil dependency for America. Expect massive government support for such schemes in the future as the price of oil rises and the American fiat sawbuck fails!These BMW examples seem very adaptable, almost shells for the Tesla drive train/chassis! beautiful flexible designs